Perhaps Not Quite Out of the Woods...

If you are reading this, you are aware that Aaron went up to Michigan last Friday for his three month post-cancer treatment follow-up to make sure the cancer was gone. We all waited with baited breath that day, praying on our knees and in our hearts for good news. Well, at about noon Aaron shared what the doctors had just shared with him-- that he was cancer free!! Many tears of gratitude were shed upon hearing this news by his family (and I'm sure, friends)!

Soon afterward Aaron made a post on Facebook saying this:
"It's a good day to be cancer free!
Gratitude to everyone who reached out and lightened our load this year- words cannot express what your love and support has meant to Elizabeth Joy Sundstrom and I. I'm going fishing."

That night he went to dinner with our cousins Lisa and Adam.  Aaron looked like such a cancer-fighting-viking-stud! 

Aaron and Beth especially breathed an incredibly heavy sigh of relief that day. Aaron stayed up in
Michigan to do some relaxing and fishing and was planning on coming home in several days. Today as the kids were saying prayers, Levi thanked Heavenly Father by saying "Thank you for Daddy's cancer..." (wasn't sure how to finish it so Benjamin chimed in "that he is cancer free!") and Levi finished "Thank you for Daddy's cancer be thrown in the garbage." How cute is that?!

But today Aaron met with his ENT oncologist who told him he'd received the "transcripts" from Aaron's PET Scan, which I guess pick up more than the readings  they received on Friday. It looks like Aaron is not quite out of the woods just yet:(

The PET transcripts showed a couple spots that are cause for concern: one on his brain and one on his throat.  So on Thursday he has ordered a brain MRI and next Tuesday, July 22nd, they will be putting Aaron under to do a biopsy (same thing they did before). It could be nothing, but it could be something, so the doctor is taking extra precautions. 

On Friday Aaron and Beth had mentally and emotionally prepared and built themselves up for bad news, but when they heard the cancer was gone, Beth said "we let our guard down." They thought they could relax on this and enjoy life as Aaron officially being a cancer survivor. So this news today, after being on such a high, is quite a tough shock. 

Please continue to keep Aaron and Beth and their children in your prayers. Aaron may compete in "World's Strongest Man" competitions, but he continues to need our strength, faith, love and support. This has been a scary road for him and his family, and he and Beth cannot thank you enough for making their loads lighter through your kindness and compassion and prayers. Please let your prayers continue for everyone's favorite viking.

Entry 23: Treatments COMPLETE!!!

Friday was Aaron's final cancer treatment!!! A week ago Monday was his final chemo treatment, and Friday he finished up his radiation. No more burning (and then re-burning) my poor brother's neck!! Yeah! Here he is after he finished up in Friday: 

When He texted me this photo I cried! I'm so happy! He's done! And though I know he still feels bad and his energy is still low, he looks great! When all this started back in late January/ early February, he weighed 315 lbs. He now weighs 265 lbs. As stated previously, swallowing has been excruciating plus he just has been nauseous with no desire to eat, though he's been drinking down healthy smoothies at 2,500 calories a day to get those essential nutrients. On Monday when I talked to him he said the pain is already getting a little more manageable as his sores are in the beginning stages of healing He has been watching the Food Network to try and stimulate his appetite, but so far it hasn't quite worked. The nausea will hang around for quite a while as the chemo works its way out of his system. He still has to go in to UM three times a week for IV fluids to stay hydrated. 

Aaron will stay up in Michigan a couple weeks longer as his final appointment is Friday, April 25th. He will go in to make sure his burns are healing, and then he can come home!!!! We are going to have to have a big party! 

Entry 22: Post by Beth

Dear family and friends,
Today has been a really rough day. Aaron's not feeling well and the nausea has gone to a new level. The doctor added a new nausea medication and thanks to Aunt Joanie was able to get the insurance to approve it very quickly before the pharmacy closed. He is still at the hospital getting fluids and iv meds. Please say extra prayers for him tonight and tomorrow that these meds will do the trick so he can have a good last weekend during treatment. 
We are so thankful for all your support! The letters and cards and care packages are amazing and make my day for sure! I'm the kind of person who wants to thank everyone individually but it's just not possible you each are doing so much! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your kindness and generosity to Aaron and I and our kids! We love each of you!
Thank you! Beth

Entry 21: The Tumor is Gone!

 Tonight I talked to Aaron and it about broke my heart. I could hear in his voice that it was painful to talk, that he didn't have much energy at all, and that he was just not comfortable. But he sure is trying to make the best of a not-fun situation.  Can you believe this sweet viking of ours is still going to the gym every day?! I am so proud of him.  He says he can't do much there as he's pretty "weak" (I never thought physically "weak" would be used in the same sentence as "Aaron"), but that he really enjoys it. He goes and does some light cardio or a ten minute session of pilates with a trainer, and then walks the length of the pool back and forth.

Yesterday Aaron had his sixth chemo treatment-- this coming Monday will be the last! I told him I couldn't believe how on Monday he'll be the guy he sat next to on his first day-- he had the same exact kind of cancer as Aaron, and he was having his last treatment while Aaron was having his first. Aaron then told me that he and his family went out bowling with that man and his family this past Saturday! How neat:) Another example of how Aaron is able to make friends easily:)  That man is now in his fifth weak of recovery and he said it's not been too easy. There have been complications, and he still goes into the hospital a few times a week for IV fluids since it his still difficult for him to swallow with the burns in his throat. So Aaron is mentally preparing himself for that hurdle...just because his treatments will soon be over doesn't mean he will be physically comfortable. But he says he's just surviving one day at a time. And he's got this.

Aaron has eight more radiation treatments. The tumor is gone!!! YAY!!! He can't feel it anymore. For perspective, Aaron told me that sometimes even when people are finishing their treatments they still have the tumor. Aaron is not done yet and it's gone-- yeah! When he told me that tonight I said "well then can't they just stop radiating your throat?" He gently laughed and said "no, but Beth and I asked the same thing." Darn. I hate that he's enduring so much pain...we all do:( And it just gets worse every day as they are reburning the burns they made the day before...every single day. :/ So it's as difficult as ever for Aaron to eat/ swallow/ talk/ breathe...gets more difficult every day. But he and Beth are working hard to get him the calories he needs. Yesterday when he went to the doctor she didn't even bring up the feeding tube. So far, so good. So far, it's not needed.

Aaron and Beth's sweet friend Carol arrived today! She will be with them for a couple weeks. Carol provided them with a place to stay up in Knoxville, TN when they started the trek up to Michigan. She is a wonderful friend and we are all so grateful for her goodness to Aaron and his family.  

The snow is really starting to melt up there in Michigan and the boys were having fun running around and playing in the yard today!

 Bowling last Saturday was a big hit!

Entry 20: Halfway Milestone!

Aaron has crossed the halfway mark for treatment!  This week he completed the fourth of seven chemotherapy treatments and 18th of 35 radiation treatments!

He's doing really well all things considered. Of course some days are better than others. Some days are brighter than others. But in his mind he knows he can do anything for three more weeks! Yeah!

Also, as a bit of clarification from the last post: Aaron is not defying his doctor's orders on nutrition:) The doctor (PA) told him that he is going to need to start thinking about letting them do the feeding tube if he does keep losing weight. But she was not saying "you need a feeding tube now" and he was not saying "no way" to that. If and when the doctor tells him he needs a feeding tube, Aaron will comply readily. He went up to the University of Michigan to get the outstanding medical care they provide at their Cancer Center, and will follow their orders. At the time she was saying "this might happen" and Aaron, being the jokester that he is, was a bit jovial and defiant about it. He likes to make people laugh, ya know? Often at the expense of himself "I'm a 300 lb man!" :) But he will get a feeding tube when they tell him he needs one. Promise:) Also he is taking his pain killers! No need to worry about that:) He just doesn't want to be in a state where he falls asleep mid-conversation due to the drugs (which he has done), and he is concerned about becoming addicted (as we know that happens all too often), so he was/ is requesting our prayers for that. :)

Entry 19: Aaron Hasn't "Eaten" in 10 Days

My poor brother. Aaron hasn't been able to eat/ chew food for ten days.  When he goes in for radiation, they are essentially burning his throat. Beth said he's getting third degree burns on his throat everyday, and then going in again the next day to get it burned all over again. Oh, Aaron. This is hard to think about, to type. :( This burning makes it not only excruciating to eat, but also to swallow, even to breathe. I never think about how many times I swallow over the course of a minute until I have some sort of sore throat. ("You don't know what you got" --health-- "'til it's gone.") But if you stop and think, we swallow all the time. And each time Aaron does, it hurts immensely...exponentially worse than any sore throat I've ever had.

For the last few years, Aaron and Beth have been so good about making whole foods for themselves and their kids.  I have visited their home often and watched as Beth makes her own coconut milk. I have watched her grind wheat to make protein pancakes. I have seen her juice lots and lots of vegetables. Maybe all of that was solid practice for what she is doing now for my brother.  Since Aaron can't chew, Beth is making him healthy foods he can drink. She is making him super creamy almond milk, not like what you get at the grocery store. She says each cup probably has about 150 calories in it. With all of Beth's wonderful concoctions, Aaron is getting about 2500 calories a day, which is good, but according to the doctors, still not enough.  Yesterday one of his doctors told him he really needs to think about letting them do a feeding tube for him. Aaron's response? "Absolutely not." She persisted in trying to get him to entertain the idea. He replied "maybe if I'm wasting away. But I am a 300-pound man. I do not need a feeding tube." Ha! This made me laugh. I can totally see this conversation taking place in my mind, complete with Aaron's facial expressions and tone of voice, and it makes me smile to myself:)

Aaron checked his fourth round of chemo off the list yesterday, and continues to do radiation everyday, Monday through Friday.

The pain, as mentioned earlier, is unbearable. But perhaps the hardest part is that it gets worse each day. So Aaron and his doctors are always trying to find the right balance/dosages of painkillers, where he can be somewhere in the middle of completely doped up and knocked out, and still feeling miserable. He wants to be able to function and be present with his family, but he doesn't want to take too much. Honestly right now he's afraid and concerned about becoming addicted to the painkillers, and for that he really would love and appreciate our prayers. 

Aaron and Beth cannot thank family and friends enough who have sent them their well-wishes. They have received cards, grocery store gift cards, and care packages, as well as the heartfelt messages received via text, email and facebook.  I could hear in Beth's voice how much your prayers and little acts of love  mean to them-- that they help keep them going.  This is definitely a hard trial, but your concern for their well-being and Aaron's health gives them strength to draw upon when they run out of it in their own wells. I was so touched when I found out that my Bishop and his wife were fasting for my brother a couple weeks ago. They have never met him, but they care for him. I love them so much.  I know so many of you have done so much. Beth said the people at church up there have been so incredibly good and charitable towards their family. Many people have watched the children. My aunt has made dinner. My cousin Adam just allowing them to stay in his home while he's away! Beth's dad has spent a lot of time with them helping them. He left last Tuesday for work after being there for a couple weeks, and flew back into Michigan yesterday. My Uncle Jeff picked him up while Beth and Aaron were at the hospital. So many blessings have come through the goodness of people. It means so much to them. People are so good.

Beth believes angels are with the her children, too. The kids go from one person's house they've never met to the next, and they are really doing well with it all.  

(Ahna loves Princess Anna from Frozen!) 

Beth was relieved to hear Benjamin say one day "Mom, when are we going home? I want to go home?" By "home" he meant my cousin's house. She was relieved in that she knows he feels like he has a "home" and a safe-place with his family.

Typing this post has made me cry.  I miss my brother and I hate that he's having to endure this pain. I want to go be with him. I don't know if I can. But I can't thank you all enough for all the love you have shown him and Beth. You are all so greatly appreciated!

Entry 18: Side Effects

We've got good news and great news and bad news. Good news is that the biopsy results came in from the polyp the doctor removed from Aaron's colon and he officially does not have colon cancer. (This is actually OUTSTANDING news!) The great news is that Aaron's doctor measured his tumor before treatments began two Mondays ago and again this past Monday (after one week of treatments) and the tumor has already shrunk a centimeter and a half! (From 7.5 cm to 6 cm.) Aaron said that's pretty incredible! 

So after the doc measured his tumor the second time he had his second round of chemo. Here is the bad news...what we knew would be coming has arrived: the onset of side effects. He woke up Tuesday morning vomiting- a side effect from the chemo:( then Wednesday morning he woke up with an extremely dry mouth and sore throat-- side effects from the radiation treatments to his neck area. Aaron is constantly drinking water, but he can't keep hydrated so he now is going in three times a week for the nurses to fill him up with two bags of IV fluids-- after which, he says he feels "like a million bucks." :) 

Aaron has lost about 25 pounds already since finding out about his cancer from changing his diet to entirely whole foods, no meat, and no soda. Also, he's been going to the gym every day.  (In fact, they all go together as a family!) He suspects that when all of this is said and done up in Michigan, he'll have lost 30 more, putting him at a weight he hasn't been at since before his mission. 

Aaron is also taking this time to really get medically checked out in every area of his health-- eye doctor, dermatologist, you name it. ("All the things I always put off" he said.) Today he went to see an acupuncturist, saying he's willing to try anything to benefit his health. 

Aaron really likes the radiation staff, and says they're super fun and cool. The radiation, on the other hand, he says is the worst-- in that it's pretty scary to be strapped to a table by your head in a Nacho Libre mask. (See previous post for pic.) 

Beth's back is doing ok-- she's not kealing over in pain and she continues to go to the chiropractor each week. The kids seem to be contracting sicknesses one rigt after the other:( but they're hanging in there and they have been having a blast with Beth's dad and stepmom. Beth's dad is still there and has been so helpful, and the kids look like they love his company! 

I'm so proud of you, Aaron and Beth. I know I speak in behalf of countless friends and family when I say we love you and you're in our prayers every single day. May The Lord continue to bless and sustain you throughout this journey!  

Thank you everyone for your love and prayers! 

Entry 17: Week 1 of Chemo & Radiation

On Monday Aaron began his first week of chemo and radiation. Monday he was at the hospital from 11-5. Chemo was first, then radiation for 15 minutes. He is doing chemo once-a-week and radiation five-days-a-week, for a total of seven weeks.

When Beth texted me this picture she said "reality is setting in." You may not be able to tell, but I know he was emotional in this photo, but trying to be strong. Surely the thought "what am I doing here?" crossed his mind. Chemo? It must have seemed at least a little bit surreal for both he and Beth.

So far not much in the way of side effects has come, except the chemo has made him really tired. Some of you may be very familiar with cancer and its treatments, but this is my first close-to-home rodeo so I maybe ask some questions that seem silly, but I asked him why it made him tired. His response was "because they're injecting poison into my body that's killing my cells." Oh:( 

But Aaron was in great spirits! During chemo, he sat next to a guy who has the same exact kind of cancer as him. He was starting his final week of treatment. When Aaron sat down his neighbor said "what are you doing here? You're too young!" 

The man had a great attitude and outlook about his future which, of course, was reassuring to Aaron. Aaron said they're going to hang out:) One thing I love about Aaron is how he can put so many people at ease and people enjoy opening up to him bc he is funny and personable. I think it's so cool how Aaron has just been meeting people left and right throughout this journey and telling them his story and listening to their stories. Aaron said the last time he really did that-- talked to everyone he saw-- was on his mission-- and how he's missed that. This cancer, in a way, has breathed a new life into him. He actually told me this cancer has saved his life (see a couple posts earlier about his colon), and it has also been a great blessing spiritually. Through trials we can come closer to our Father in Heaven and our Savior, as we realize (and Aaron told me specifically this is how he felt) how much we truly do depend on Him. Aaron said "I just realize now more so than ever how weak I am." We can't do this in our own...we do need our Savior and we absolutely need his Atonement. Aaron also said this experience has given him a better and more eternal perspective in that it has infused him with a greater desire to focus his life more fully on our Savior. I am so grateful for the beautiful things Aaron is taking from this trying experience and how he's becoming better, not bitter, from it all. It makes me think of a song by Casting Crowns called "Praise You in This Storm"...have a listen HERE... :) 

Aaron wearing his mask and mouthguard...about to receive radiation treatment:

I love you, Aaron. And I love you, Beth. I am so grateful for the examples you have set for me and so many others in this...your storm. 

Entry 16: Chemo & Radiation Starts

Right before Aaron had to shave his fortress/ beard, he got fitted for a mouth guard to protect his pearly whites from the radiation. Exhibit A: Goofball... :)

The next day the doctors fitted Aaron for a face mask he has to wear during his treatments, as well. We wouldn't want to hurt that pretty mug! 

The Sundstrom family was so excited leading up today because Beth's dad would be arriving today to stay with them for a couple weeks! Well, this afternoon I got a very excited text from Beth saying that her stepmom surprised them and came too!! I am so happy they can all have that time together right now! :) 

Aaron said he's probably lost about 20 lbs already due to changing his diet to only whole foods, no meat, and no soda (or "pop" as our Michigander family would say;). He said the doctors weren't happy about his weight loss, and said to me "yeah, it's the first time a doctor has ever yelled at a fat guy for losing weight." Ha! I of course assured him he's not fat-- he's a Viking. :) the doctors didn't want him to drop a ton of weight because he'll likely lose with his treatments as well, and they don't want his immune system compromised by too much weight loss too quickly. 

Tomorrow (Monday, Feb. 24th) will be day 1 of Aaron's chemo and radiation. Please keep him in your prayers:)

Entry 15: a Surprise Colonoscopy!

When Aaron got his PET scan for his cancer, the doctors noticed something when reviewing the results on his colon. They said it could be nothing, but to be sure they scheduled a colonoscopy for him last Monday. Turns out it was a precancerous pollup! :O I know colon cancer can take you from this earth pretty quickly, so I am so grateful they caught that and removed it! 

Phew! 

Entry 14: Saying Goodbye to Beardey

Much to his chagrin, Aaron had to shave his beard yesterday:( His radiation simulation appointment is today and they are fitting him for his mask, so it had to go. Aaron was pretty unhappy about it. He told me he wasn't sure how he was going to watch "Duck Dynasty" anymore because it will hurt too much. (I'm pretty sure Aaron and those guys would hit it off!) 

Here is the proof...I am sorry, Aaron! :( 

Hmph...

"I'm not gonna cry, I'm not gonna cry..."

We talked about him keeping a mustache a la Ron Swanson, but he ultimately decide he's just not a 'stache kind of guy

Finished product!! He and Beth were sad to say goodbye to the beard he's had for six years (though lately Aaron said it had become "a fortress"). I told him now he looks like a military man:) ready for battle! 

Happy Valentine's Day, Aaron!! We love you, beard or no beard!! 

And Happy Valentine's Day, Beth!! Hope your kiddos feel better soon :( (they woke up sick this morning!) and that you get to relax for a little bit at some point today! 

Entry 13: Treatment Options

Aaron's recovery from surgery has gone very well! He has felt good, and was even able to eat right after the operation! (For a surgery in the mouth, I personally was surprised by this!) 

Yesterday was his first post-surgery appointment-- he met with the radiation oncologist. 

 

The radiation oncologist went over Aaron's treatment options, one of which being particularly intriguing. Aaron qualifies to participate in a study of a new drug called Cetuximab. It is FDA approved, and so far University of Michigan has 22 patients already on it. Cetuximab would replace chemotherapy, and from what we know so far, it sounds like a wonder drug!  Chemotherapy attacks all the cells in the body (which as many of you know either through personal experience or through loved-ones, can take an excruciating toll on the body), whereas this new drug would only target and attack and the cancer cells. Naturally, this has definitely piqued Aaron & Beth's interest, and he's going to be discussing it further with the medical oncologist today (and not to mention, ask our brother Chris' opinion).

The radiation oncologist also discussed with Aaron what his radiation treatments would be like.  This Friday Aaron will have a simulation appointment where he will do a practice of what it will be like: he has to hold completely still so that the radiation, which will kill tissue, only hits the cancer. It will destroy his salivary glands, so luckily they only have to do it on the right side of his neck. On Friday they will also fit him for a mask he will have to wear during treatments so his face will be protected from the radiation.  He will do radiation every weekday for seven weeks, likely staring on February 24th. 

They told Aaron that if in seven weeks the cancer is still there, then they will do surgery and remove the tonsils (where his cancer is).  We all wondered why they don't just go ahead and remove the tonsils now and get it over with, but the doctor assured Aaron that if they did that, he'd still have to do the radiation and chemo (or Cetuximab) regardless, so trying it this way is just a much less painful way to get the job done.

So today he is meeting with the medical oncologist to discuss treatment further and after Aaron makes a decision on chemo vs. Cetuximab we will know for sure the next step.  What we do know is that Aaron is in AMAZING hands and that he IS going to beat this cancer with the Lord and his angels on our side! (Which we are so grateful to say that has so far proven to be true time and again.)

Speaking of angels: Aaron & Beth have been blown away by the goodness of the people up in Michigan. First off, our Uncle Jeff.  Uncle Jeff had a severe head injury not too long ago while working at his job as a welder. He has his own medical hurdles to jump, and yet he has insisted on being with Aaron through every step of this journey.  He has been at every appointment, and has already signed up to take Aaron to three out of his five weekly doctor appointment (so Beth and the kids don't have to go to each one).  Uncle Jeff is getting some much-needed rest today, and we are so grateful for all he and Aunt Shelly have done to welcome Aaron, Beth, and the kids and to help make them comfortable (including helping in gathering warm winter clothes for their family).

Also, our cousin Adam has graciously offered his beautiful home to Aaron and Beth for them to live in while in Michigan. Adam is in North Carolina for the next three months. So now all of a sudden they have an entire house to themselves! This house is twenty minutes closer to the cancer center, as well as closer to the church.

 It is so amazing-- time and again I am blown away at the thought of how this has all just worked out too perfectly... and that people have just been so kind and generous.  We are absolutely overwhelmed with gratitude.

Aaron and Beth have each received more than one personal phone call from the stake president (ecclesiastical lay minister over multiple congregations in a concentrated are-- in charge of ministering to 1000's of individuals).  Aaron has also received a phone call from the stake president's counselor (a maxillofacial surgeon who works with cancer patients) while he was away in Texas  offering his assistance. On Sunday Aaron and Beth were so overwhelmed and overjoyed to have been so warmly welcomed by countless individuals in the congregation they will be attending while Aaron receives his treatment.  The Relief Society president (woman who presides over all the women in a congregation) has called Beth several times, and even brought Aaron & Beth a table and chairs for the kitchen since it didn't have one.  Another sweet woman dropped by with fresh homemade bread and cookies. Another member of the congregation took the three kids yesterday so that Beth could be with Aaron at his appointment, and another family is taking the kids for five hours today. Five hours! Each time Aaron and I talk and he tells me of the goodness of the people up there, I am brought to tears, and I know they are too.  We have learned so much from this experience, one thing being more about how to be more Christlike. We have learned this by example, and we have been so touched.

The kids have been LOVING the snow and can't get enough sledding! 
 

I love this picture of Beth and Levi:

Aaron even got himself a sled, but it was overtaken in about five minutes by the kids! Aaron says Benjamin would sled for three hours if he let him (which he would, but he can't take the cold that long)! 

 I love what our good family friend (nephew?) said to Aaron when he posted this pic: "Keep up the fight my Viking friend. Cold weather is just a minor inconvenience to Vikings. You are in our prayers EVERY DAY!"
 
Beth has been going to a chiropractor and her back is doing much better.  She is not in the clear, but Aarons says "she is not crying in pain anymore, so she's got that going for her." :) Aaron, Aaron...always the jokester. Just like this cute little girl (who is absolutely obsessed with Minnie Mouse these days)!  She tries to carry around her two Minnie dolls, a Minnie ball, and her two pink blankets, and then asks Aaron to pick her up with all her loot. Aaron said "it is SO cute." :D

 Thank you all for your prayers for our favorite viking! We love you!

Entry 12: Surgery Success!

Pre-surgery snuggles:

Aaron went in for his surgery yesterday around 10:30 for his scheduled operation at 1:30, however the surgery didn't actually start until about 5:00 PM, and didn't leave until 8.  This was his FB update he wrote as he waited for the surgery begin:

 "So a lot of people have asked about the surgery. This is my understanding: the lymph node where they found the cancer is not the source or primary site. The doc says it's usually on the back of the tongue or in the tonsils. So today they are going to put me under and take biopsies of my tonsils until they find the cancer. If they can't find it with the biopsies they will remove one or both of my tonsils. As far as the lymph node they do not plan to take it out because their experience shows that the cancer should go away with radiation and chemo. While this is a stage 4 cancer the doc said the staging in this type of cancer does not correlate to other types of cancer i.e. stage 4 colon cancer you have a 10% survival rate; he says I have a 90+% chance with my cancer. I'm counting on you guys to make up the 10%!! The next step is to start the treatments. The doc says it's a 7 week course with radiation and chemo five days per week. It's a long road and I will never be able to repay all who have and will help us, but I've got the rest of my life to try:)  Thanks for all of your prayers!"

After his surgery he wrote this: 
"All went well with surgery today. It was a long day- did not leave hospital until 8pm. Doc was able to find the primary site with just two biopsies so no tonsillectomy= good thing! Meeting with oncologist next week to start phase II. Thank you to everyone for your support!"

Today Adam flew home to his family.  Aaron and Beth are so grateful for all of his selfless service to their family!  Aaron & Beth are doing well today. The kids are enjoying the snow.  Aaron has a bad sore throat from the biopsies but other than that he's good!! Aunt Shelley and Uncle Jeff have been so wonderful and hospitable, and Aunt Joanie is working so hard to keep things moving quickly. Aaron also expressed his gratitude to her last night on Facebook when he said: 

"I want to send out a very special thank you to my aunt Joanie Erskine. She has gone so far above and beyond to help me with this battle. I love you Aunt Joan!"

Entry 11: Prepping for Surgery Tomorrow

Yesterday Aaron, Beth, and the crew arrived at Uncle Jeff and Aunt Shelley's.  

Here is Benj and his Great Uncle Jeff: 

Uncle Jeff is the best. :)  

They had to hold off getting there for a few days because poor Uncle Jeff and Aunt Shelley had been sick, and Aaron can't risk getting sick before his surgery.  Speaking of, his surgery was scheduled today for tomorrow at 1:30.  I think he's a little nervous, but at the same time ready to kick this cancer to the curb. When I talked to him last night he seemed a little overwhelmed at the journey he and his family have in front of them, but he knows they have to start somewhere, and he's glad he is starting it where he is with our family (aunts, uncles, cousins) and with a great doctor. Aaron really likes his doctor. He said he was very knowledgeable, competent, compassionate, etc. He also has young children like Aaron. 

Aaron had his PET scan yesterday so the doctor will know where to focus his work tomorrow. 

Then next Wednesday is when Aaron will meet with the radiation oncologist (we were mistaken in the last post saying that it would be today).

Beth said tonight that they had a good day today and have been in good spirits today.  I feel like asking for more prayers is pushing it since you've already prayed and fasted and loved and cared so much! But, if you could pray for my brother and the doctor performing his surgery tomorrow, we would so greatly appreciate it! :)